What Is a Shower Bench & Which Type Is Best For You
Learn all about this helpful addition.
If you're looking for a multi-purpose piece to complete your bathroom, shower benches are a great addition that can help streamline your routine. They provide a spot to sit down, shave, scrub, and exfoliate, as well as add more surface space to stash soap or sponges. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about shower benches, including tips on choosing the right shower bench size and material.
What Is a Shower Bench?
A shower bench is a multipurpose bench that is designed to be placed inside a shower for improved safety, storage, and comfort. Made of water-resistant materials like teak or bamboo, these benches are durable and safe for damp environments. Shower benches are typically either mounted to the shower wall or freestanding, designed to be easy to move around as needed when using it or cleaning.
Shower benches have several uses and are great for propping your foot up to exfoliate, shave your legs, or wash your feet. The extra surface space can double as a spot to stash toiletries or spare towels. Best of all, these benches make space to sit down while you shower, which makes them a helpful addition for those with injuries or impaired mobility. Shower benches offer extra stability and safety that can help prevent slips or falls.
Types of Shower Benches
Because shower benches can be used for a wide range of reasons, we've highlighted different types of shower benches to consider.
- Decorative: Decorative shower benches are made of durable teak or bamboo and are most often used for seating or bathroom storage.
- Corner: If you need a space-saving shower bench, opt for a corner design. These triangle-shaped benches fit neatly into compact corners.
- Bathroom Safety: Designed to help support balance and mobility, these benches and chairs are composed of a plastic or rubber seat and a metal frame. Bathroom safety benches have a comfortable and durable design that are made to help you get in and out of the shower safely.
We've outlined the most common shower bench materials below, to help you decide which one is right for your shower.
- Teak: Teak is highly water- and mold-resistant, which makes it a great option for shower benches. Teak shower benches are incredibly durable, dense, and full of natural oils that keep the wood in excellent shape. As an added bonus, the wood tone brings natural color and texture to warm up your shower.
- Bamboo: Eco-friendly and water-resistant, bamboo is another ideal material for shower benches. Bamboo is naturally antimicrobial and is treated with a waterproof finish for easy maintenance. Bamboo shower benches are a more affordable option compared to teak wood.
- Plastic: Easy to clean, lightweight, and super affordable, plastic shower benches come in a variety of colors to match your bathroom design. This material is also waterproof and resistant to mold and mildew if kept clean. Simply spray with an all-purpose cleaner and wipe it down during your routine bathroom cleanings to prevent buildup.
- Metal: These benches are a very sturdy and durable option for your shower. Metal benches are often able to hold more weight and are easy to move around and keep clean. Choose a painted or treated metal bench to enjoy the benefits of durability without having to worry about rusting in your shower.
Shower Bench Sizes
Shower bench sizes often measure between 17" – 20" high and 15" – 16" deep to create a comfortable spot to sit. This shower bench size ensures that an average-sized adult can sit with both of their feet firmly placed against the shower floor while the depth offers enough room to sit or move around comfortably.
It's also important to check the overall product weight and weight capacity. The weight of the shower bench can impact the ease of installation and quality. Though heavier shower benches tend to be more durable and able to support more weight, they can be more difficult to install.
Shower Bench Features
If you’re looking for a shower bench to add functionality to your bathroom, consider a few key features that can streamline your shower routine.
- Adjustability: Adjustable dimensions can help you find the right size to suit your shower. Make sure to consider the minimum and maximum dimensions so ensure that you find the right fit.
- Water Resistant: Shower benches get wet, so a water-resistant finish is important for preventing water damage.
- Mold- or Mildew-Resistant: Shower benches are often placed in damp environments that are prone to mildew or mold. Shower benches made from a mold- or mildew-resistant material like plastic or teak can help you avoid build-up. Shower benches with holes or drains prevent water pooling for added resistance.
- Nonslip: Nonslip shower benches feature suction cups at the bottom of the leg that stick to the floor. This feature keeps the shower bench placed securely to promote safety and prevent slipping.
- Swivel Ability: Shower benches with swivels can make it safer and easier to get in and out of the shower. The swivel ability can often lock for extra stability while using the shower bench.
Tip!
Looking for more bathroom essentials? Check out our guide Bathroom Basics: 9 Bathroom Essentials You Need for Your Home
